FAR 117 – and Commuting.

FAR 117 wasn’t written to accommodate commuters. Living outside your base is totally optional, it was written to work with FCM that work where they live.

Response:

While I agree that FAR 117 does not provide any firm statutory requirements as how Airlines and Flightcrew Members need to deal specifically with “Commuting”, some Airlines do have policies for “commuters”.

In the end the FCM is responsible to adhere to 117.5 Fitness for duty, where the Joint responsibility is placed upon both the Airline and FCM.

I suggest that All crew members read the entire AC, especially sections:

10. COMMUTING STRESSES.

11. COMMUTING AND DEADHEAD TRANSPORTATION.

12. COMMUTER INDUCED FATIGUE.

13. PRE-DUTY ACTIVITIES.

14. FIT FOR DUTY–FLIGHTCREW MEMBER’S RESPONSIBILITY.

Additional guidance may come from your Airline, with respect to it’s Fatigue Risk Management Policies and/or any Guidance that may be included in any Collective Bargaining Agreement or Union Material, (ask around, someone will know).

Again, if you feel fatigued, or suspect that you may become fatigued, don’t fly, better to stand down than have an incident.

Fly Safe, Fly Smart, Fly Well Rested.

Authors Note:

I am not a pilot, I do not commute like a crew member, so I will not pretend to understand how commuting impacts each and every individual. I have great respect for the professionalism of all crew members, so the input by individuals is seriously considered. I will always attempt to side on the side of safety.